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Sepp Blatter warns Gareth Bale could be banned from Tottenham games

Fifa president reveals the Wales midfielder could be sanctioned after excusing himself from Olympics

July 25 2012, 10:20am, The Times

He leapt highest to head home the opening goal at the Home Depot CenterFREDERIC J. BROWN

Sepp Blatter has waded into the controversy surrounding Gareth Bale by claiming the midfielder could be banned from playing for Tottenham Hotspur while the Olympics are taking place.

Bale scored for his club in a friendly against Los Angeles Galaxy last night - 24 days after he pulled out of the Team GB Olympic squad through injury.

The Wales midfielder played 74 minutes of the 1-1 draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy in California, raising questions about why he is not with Pearce’s squad for their opening game against Senegal tomorrow.

While the FA and British Olympic Association have not commented on Bale’s appearance, Blatter said if there was an official complaint to Fifa then the 23-year-old could be banned from playing for Tottenham until…